By A Correspondent- One of Zvishavane’s top gold dealers, Samson Gondwe popularly known as Sam Dread has been remanded in custody until December 9, 2021.

Zvishavane magistrate Evia Matura caged Gondwe for allegedly assaulting his two wives Precious Mushaikwa and Popadopoules Droder Mollin.for refusing to shake their bums in public.

The development comes when the World is commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender based Violence.

State prosecutor Isheunesu Mashayanye told the court that on Saturday the accused and his wives were drinking beer at a car sale opposite Zvishavane Magistrate court.

Gondwe ordered his wives to shake their buttocks in front of some men who were also drinking beer at the place but they refused.

The accused got angry and started assaulting his wives using stones and hitting their heads and legs.

During his initial appearance before the courts, Sam Dread” pleaded not guilty when charged for contravening the Domestic Violence Act.

State prosecutor vehemently refused bail for the accused arguing that he was likely to interfere with witnesses since the two complainants were his wives

. He also said that the accused could run away as he had the means to do so.

By A Correspondent- The Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) is investigating how Doves Funeral Services handled the burial of the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe.

It is alleged that there was a burial mix up and Doves kept Chimwamurombe’s body in their mortuary for six months after burying an empty coffin at his home in Nyanga.

After realising the mistake, Doves then secretly buried Chimwamurombe’s body together with an unknown person in the same coffin in a pauper’s burial at Harare’s Granville Cemetery popularly known as (KuMbudzi).

The two bodies were exhumed in November under police investigations, and they were taken to Parirenyatwa hospital mortuary for DNA tests.

Police are expected to conduct another exhumation process in Nyanga to confirm the family buried an empty coffin.

Justifying its involvement, the regulator said the matter involved Doves Life Assurance (Private) Limited, which falls under its purview

Ipec also notified that all stakeholders will be informed after its processes are finalised.

“The Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) is a statutory body established in terms of the Insurance and Pensions Commission Act (Chapter 24:12), to regulate, supervise and monitor the activities of insurance entities and pension funds. IPEC is seized with the case of the alleged improper burial of a Doves Life Assurance policy beneficiary, the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe by Doves Funeral Services (Pvt) Ltd,” IPEC said in a statement Monday.

“While IPEC does not regulate funeral service providers such as Doves Funeral Services (Pvt) Ltd, its interest was drawn by the fact that the matter also involved the insurer, Doves Life Assurance, which it regulates. To this end IPEC and other stakeholders are seized with this matter. Other stakeholders will be informed of the outcome after the ongoing processes have been finalised.

The scandal led to pressure mounting on the Doves chief executive officer, Farai Matsika to step down due to suitability issues.

Matsika is currently facing multiple legal battles over the shareholding in the fledgling company.

The pressure on Matsika to step down has been fuelled by a heated dispute over shareholding in the company whereby allegations of fraud have been levelled against him.

The embattled CEO currently has three extant court orders operating against him, barring him from transferring the assets of Doves to any third party, restricting him from convening meetings and stopping any dealing in Doves shares.

In one such matter, filed with the High Court under HC1710/21 wherein IPEC is cited as a party, Matsika is accused of diverting an immovable property purchased by Doves to his own company, Faramatsi Motors (Private) Limited.

IPEC is a constitutionally constituted regulatory body for insurance and life assurance companies.

By A Correspondent- Hundreds of people have been sleeping outside People’s Own Savings Bank in Masvingo since Wednesday last week queuing for foreign currency withdrawals which government promised them.

Efforts to get a comment from Fungai Paguti, the Bank’s branch manager were futile by the time of writing.

Clients who spoke to The Mirror said the Bank was giving foreign currency to a maximum of seven people a day and the rest were offered RTGS$ withdrawals.

Most of the people travels from rural areas and they complained that they did not have fares to go back home and come back again the next day.

Some clients were defaulting on medication after they left tablets home. Clients also complained that they were hungry as they did not have money for food.

Police using horses sent people fleeing in all directions as they tried to bring order to the queues.

The situation was worse at POSB compared to other banks.-MasvingoMirror

With millions of lives on the line, UNAIDS and WHO World AIDS Day event saw global partners, including Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, urgently call for expanded access to health treatments and technologies and for human rights to be upheld.

On the occasion of World AIDS Day 2021, UNAIDS, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners came together at a special event in Geneva, Switzerland, to highlight the urgent need to end the economic, social, cultural and legal inequalities that drive the AIDS pandemic and other pandemics around the world.

“We are issuing an urgent warning. Only by moving fast to end the inequalities that drive the AIDS pandemic can we overcome it,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “World leaders must work together urgently to tackle the challenges head-on. I urge you: be courageous in matching words with deeds. It is outrageous that every minute that passes, we lose a precious life to AIDS. We don’t have time to waste.”

The world is off track from delivering on the shared commitment to end AIDS by 2030. In 2020 there were 37.7 million people living with HIV, 1.5 million new HIV infections and 680 000 AIDS-related deaths. Around 65% of HIV infections globally were among key populations, including sex workers and their clients, gay men and other men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and transgender people, and their sexual partners.

“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many of the populations most at risk were not being reached with HIV testing, prevention and care services,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The pandemic has made things worse, with the disruption of essential health services, and the increased vulnerability of people with HIV to COVID-19. Like COVID-19, we have all the tools to end the AIDS epidemic, if we use them well. This World AIDS Day, we renew our call on all countries to use every tool in the toolbox to narrow inequalities, prevent HIV infections, save lives and end the AIDS epidemic.”

If the world does not tackle discrimination and inequalities, UNAIDS and WHO warn that the next decade could see 7.7 million AIDS-related deaths.

A powerful video narrated by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Ms Byanyima was screened at the event demonstrating the disturbing parallels between access to HIV treatment and access to COVID-19 vaccines. Between 1997 and 2006, it is estimated that 12 million people died of AIDS-related illnesses in low- and middle-income countries as the price of medicines rendered them out of reach for many of the countries most affected by HIV. Today, 10 million people around the world still do not have access to the life-saving HIV medicines. The Duke of Sussex urged the world to learn from the history of AIDS and overcome the inequitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and to ensure that new HIV medicines and technologies are available to all.

A letter from the Duke of Sussex to WHO and UNAIDS was read out, in which he commemorated the 40 years of AIDS and expressed his gratitude for the work accomplished to date. In the letter he stressed the need for COVID-19 vaccine equity, drawing from the lessons learned from HIV.

Speakers highlighted the impact of HIV on young people. “Young people continue to be stigmatized, especially those in key populations, and inequalities continue to compromise the quality of our lives,” said Joyce Ouma, from the Global Network of Young People Living with HIV.

“Young people are the future of nations and the cornerstone of the global AIDS response,” said Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, Thailand. “Eradicating all kinds of stigma must be our full global commitment with immediate action.”

During the event, the participants commemorated the lives of the 36 million people who have died from AIDS since the start of the pandemic and highlighted the urgent need to do more for the people most affected by HIV.

The Ambassador of Namibia, Julia Imene-Chanduru, representing the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board Chair, said, “AIDS remains an emergency that we must not forget in our response to COVID-19.”

Speakers urged all countries, partners and civil society to be bold in taking forward the commitment made in the Political Declaration on AIDS adopted at the 2021 United Nations High-Level Meeting on AIDS and in the Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026: End Inequalities, End AIDS, both having ending inequalities at their core.

“We can see the importance of UNAIDS’ strategy, with an emphasis on ending inequalities,” said Stephanie Seydoux, French Ambassador for Global Health. “This is what allows us to make progress in the fight against this pandemic, and to ensure health for everyone.”

“We know how to beat AIDS and we know how to beat pandemics,” added Ms Byanyima. “The policies to address the inequalities standing in the way of progress can be implemented, but they require leaders to step up and be bold.

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By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has dismissed claims by the Zanu PF regime that the assassination attempts in Chiredzi and Mutare were dramatized.

Zanu PF agents attempted to assassinate President Chamisa In Masvingo and Manicaland during the vibrant MDC Alliance leader’s community engagement meetings in the respective provinces.

Speaking at Gogo Chamisa’s tombstone unveiling ceremony in Chiwara, Gutu on Saturday, the people’s President said he was ready to defeat the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa in the 2023 polls.

President Chamisa said:

” How can one fake an assassination attempt by destroying one’s car ? I know that they( Zanu PF agents) want to eliminate me but that’s impossible.

They tried it in Manicaland but touch not the anointed one.

They thought they had killed me in Mutare…

We know that they have hired foreign agents to eliminate us. We know everything.

They fired live bullets at my vehicle. ..

Violence will not end the deepening crisis.”

“Do you think I can be compared to Emmerson Mnangagwa ? I will defeat him in 2023. Do you think Biti can be compared to Mnangagwa’s vice presidents ? Sikhala cannot be compared to Muchinguri. We are miles ahead of them.

We are ready to deliver meaningful change to the people of Zimbabwe,” added President Chamisa.

There is a lie being peddled through social media that I said I wanted to be Prime Minister of Zimbabwe and did not want elections to be held in the country.

The position of the MDC T is that it wants to attain political power through peaceful, democratic, and constitutional means.

Thereafter, it will govern differently and change the lives of the Zimbabwean people for the better.

We have maintained that we want free and fair elections but these have to be preceded by comprehensive reforms.

These reforms have to be attained through an inclusive, genuine, and unconditional dialogue.

Given that most of these reforms are legislative, with enough political will they can be achieved before the by-elections.

To that end, the MDCT has started its candidate selection process which has attracted men and women of unquestionable integrity and competence.

The new falsehoods are just part of a smear campaign by people who hate democracy and competition.

What is clear is that the march of the MDCT towards winning the democratic struggle and achieving greatness is unstoppable. The hate and propaganda have clearly not worked. The enemies of democracy have in the last two weeks been hacking my social media accounts and in some cases have posted information not coming from me.

Some newspapers have failed to give me the right of reply before publishing clearly false information hurtful to me and the party.

This is unprofessional and unconstitutional. However, no one can break our resolve.

No amount of hate, propaganda and outright lies can defeat an idea whose hour is come.

Zimbabweans are enthusiastically embracing our message.

Victory is certain.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has announced the fuel prices for December 2021.

According to a notice issued by the energy regulator this Wednesday, the maximum pump price of diesel has been set at ZWL$150.31 or US$1.38 per litre while that of petrol has been capped at ZWL$154.56 or US$1.42 per litre.

There has been a significant increase in the fuel prices in Zimbabwe dollars for this month compared to the prices for November, albeit the product is not being sold in local currency.

In US dollars, the diesel price did not change while that of petrol has increased by US$0.02.

In October ZERA set the cap for the price of diesel at ZWL$136.44 per litre and petrol at ZWL$138.70.

In USD terms, the prices have not changed for diesel at it was also capped at US$1.38 while petrol price rose marginally to US$1.42 per litre.

ZERA said in a notice:

The public and operators are advised that the blending ratio has been reviewed from E20 to E10. Operators may sell the petroleum products below the prescribed prices depending on their trading advantages and should display prices in a prominent place as provided by the fuel pricing regulations.

By A Correspondent- Police in Marondera on Monday arrested a 29-year-old man who hijacked a vehicle he was a passenger after the driver went to relieve himself in the bush, leaving the keys on the ignition.

Tapuwa Mabvunga, of Dudley Farm, has since been charged with theft of a motor vehicle as well as driving without a licence.

Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachii yesterday confirmed the incident, and urged motorists not to leave vehicle keys on the ignition.

“We urge motorists to be cautious always. They should not leave their engines on or car keys on ignition to avoid such incidents,” he said.

According to police, on December 6 at around 8am, Peter Katukuta (61) was driving a Honda Fit from Wedza to Marondera with four passengers on board.

As he approached the Dudley Farm area, he stopped the vehicle and rushed into a nearby bush to relieve himself.

Mabvunga seized the opportunity and jumped onto the driver’s seat before driving off with the other three passengers towards Marondera.

After driving for a distance, the suspect stopped and ordered the passengers to get out of the car before speeding off.

A report was made to the police who intercepted the suspect in Marondera town, leading to his arrest.

He is set to appear in court.

-newsday

By A Correspondent- Two of the three armed robbers who were shot dead by a retired police detective during a robbery in Chadcombe, Harare, on Monday night were serving members of the Zimbabwe National Army, it has emerged.

Joseph Nemaisa, a 19-year Criminal Investigations Department (CID) homicide veteran, gunned down the three robbers at his home after they had taken his family hostage.

One of the deceased robbers was an on-duty soldier from the ZNA’s elite commando regiment.

The commando regiment is one of the special forces units in the ZNA that conducts critical operations.

Multiple military and official sources as saying the 21-year-old officer, identified as Tariro Gora, comes from Sanyati.

Gora was supposed to be at his workstation at the One Commando Barracks along Airport Road (Joshua Nqabuko Nkomo Road) in Harare, at the time of the robbery.

The AK-47 rifle that was used by the robbers belongs to the ZNA which Gora was using in his official duties on the night he was killed.

Said a source:

He was a member of the ZNA serving in the commando regiment. He was actually supposed to be on duty that night and bosses are wondering how he made his way out with that gun.

The AK47 is not your ordinary gun which can be owned by anyone. It’s a preserve for the army.

It is also believed that the two others who survived the shooting and escaped are soldiers and they are being hunted down.

According to ZimLive, the other two suspects shot dead by Nemaisa have been identified as Charles Chirara and Brian Koga (39).

Chirara was one of over 10 suspects in the US$2.7 million ZB bank cash-in-transit heist in January and had been released on bail by the High Court.

Meanwhile, Tendere was once jailed for 12 years for armed robbery and attempted murder.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the two robbers who escaped. One of the suspects has been identified as Tatenda Mumbire.

Nemaisa, now a lawyer, said he left home at about 6 PM and was in Chisipite at around 8.30 PM when his son, Courage, called him to say there were people trying to break into the house.

Nemaisa’s wife Fadzanai had just arrived home and observed three men walking near their house.

He raced home and took on the intruders in a gunfight that ended with three of the raiders lying dead in pools of blood.

Nemaisa said:

They were in my bedroom, holding my family hostage and one of them had switched on the iron trying to torture my wife so that she would disclose where we keep the money. Others were searching the bedroom.

I saw one of the robbers armed with an AK47 through the window and shot him once in the chest.

He tried to crawl away while shouting for help and then two others came into view and I shot both of them through the window.

… If they knew it was me living here, I don’t think they would have come to raid this place.

The two robbers that escaped allegedly stole US$850, a laptop, a mobile phone, and a shotgun.

-Zimlive

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF-linked war veterans in Matabeleland South province have reportedly defected to the opposition Zapu party in protest over measly stipends they get from government despite the sacrifices they made during the armed struggle.

The ex-freedom fighters claimed that they were unhappy about the ruling party’s empowerment policies which sidelined them.

Zapu national spokesperson Mso Ndlovu yesterday told Southern Eye that a significant number of Zanu PF war veterans in Matabeleland had secretly joined Zapu.

“A sizeable number of the freedom fighters rejoined the party this past weekend in Mawaza, Ntepe and Ntalale. This is in Matabeleland South. However, we are in contact with ZPRA [Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army] veterans across the country who are quietly joining our structures away from cameras,” Ndlovu said.

“Reasons for the defections are varied. But many are attributing that to the abuse they have suffered in Zanu PF, worse still under the so-called new dispensation which has turned out to be the deception of epic proportions. They are disgruntled with the vetting processes which are designed to disenfranchise them,” he said.

Ndlovu claimed that the defecting war veterans said they were happy with the direction that Zapu was taking under the new leadership of the late party founder and Vice-President Joshua Nkomo’s son, Sibangilizwe.

“While we are very pleased and excited by the vote of confidence we are receiving from the veterans, we are not surprised at all. It is very clear to all that what they sacrificed their lives for is turning into a nightmare under Zanu PF,” he said.

“They are receiving pensions which are equivalent to a single bag of potatoes. They are living miserable lives while children of the elite are amassing and flaunting insane wealth.”

Zanu PF Matabeleland South acting chairperson Never Khanye said he had not yet received reports about the alleged defections.

“I do not have such information as of now. If I had it, I would have let you known,” Khanye said.

Some war veterans were arrested in Harare a few months ago after they took to the streets demanding an increase in their monthly stipends.

This is happening at a time when war veterans loyal to President Emmerson Mnangagwa are said to be pushing for the ouster of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga.

They are allegedly being used as pawns in the Zanu PF succession battle.

Families of doctors and other frontline health personnel whose relatives succumbed to COVID-19 are still grieving over the loss of their loved ones.

In his speech during a medical awards ceremony held in Harare at the weekend to honour living and deceased medical professionals, Zimbabwe Medical Awards Trust board chairperson Josephat Chiripanyanga said COVID-19 wounds would take time to heal.

Chiripanyanga said the COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of many nurses and 22 doctors in Zimbabwe. He said:

Families of frontline health workers are still nursing wounds after losing their loved ones to COVID-19.

It was difficult to convince the families of doctors who died, whom we want to honour to attend the awards ceremony.

Relatives of our COVID-19 heroes are still in grief and they are not opening up that much.

That is why most of them could not come because they are saying the awards are opening their wounds.

Living heroes in the medical profession, among them, decorated eye specialist, Solomon Guramatunhu and leading paediatrician Bothwell Mbuwayesango were recognised at the event.

Zimbabwe has recorded a cumulative total of 4 713 COVID-19 deaths since the emergence of the deadly virus in 2020.

A High Court judge has awarded US$180 000 to a woman who was fired from her job after reporting her boss for sexual harassment almost 20 years ago.

Rita Marque Mbatha said she was sexually harassed by former Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) CEO Farai Bwatikona Zizhou between 2002 and 2003 when she worked as his personal assistant.

When she reported the matter, the CZI responded by firing her.

Last week Justice Joseph Mafusire hailed for her tireless determination as she won a lawsuit against Zizhou.

Mbatha sued both Zizhou and CZI for a total of US$500 000. The suit against CZI is pending.

In one incident, Zizhou emailed Mbatha saying he would be visualising her when he is bathing with his wife.

He told her that the sight of his naked wife was “torture and unbearable” to him.

In his ruling, Justice Mafusire noted that it was discouraging that Zizhou never showed any remorse. Said Mafusire:

The matter has had a long turbulent history. The wheels of justice have turned slowly for her.

There can be no denying that. She has been to this court. She strives for closure. Any lesser mortal would probably have given up.

Plainly, Mbatha is no lesser mortal. Her tenacity and fighting spirit have moved mountains. She is still fighting.

… There has never been an apology. One thinks it would have been quite salutary and a measure of atonement for the injured brain.

At the arbitration, Zizhou sought to dismiss his reprehensible conduct as mere jokes. He was callous.

He engineered Mbatha’s dismissal from employment. After the incident and the dismissal, she was not treated with sensitivity.

… the proper level of damages for sexual harassment perpetrated by the defendant from September 2002 to June 2003 is US$180 000… or equivalent thereof in local currency convertible at the interbank rate at the time of payment.

Justice Mafusire ruled that Zizhou should pay interest on the amount and cost of the lawsuit.

Mbatha is now the director of Women’s Comfort Corner Foundation (WCCF) and a board member of the International Alliance of Women (IAW).

A magistrate on Tuesday issued a warrant of arrest for Johanne Marange Apostolic sect child molester Hatirarami Momberume after he failed to appear in court.

Momberume, (26), who is facing a murder charge, defaulted his appearance before Manicaland provincial magistrate Richard Ramaboure, raising fears he may have skipped bail.

Prosecutor Talent Nyamuzuwe asked the court to issue a warrant of arrest against the alleged paedophile after his failure to appear for trial.

Momberume’s lawyer, Brian Majamanda of Khupe and Chijara Law Chambers earlier told the court that his client was facing transport challenges to travel from his home at Mafararikwa Village to court.

However, Momberume never turned up, resulting in the arrest warrant being issued.

Momberume impregnated an underage girl, Annah Machaya, who died while giving birth on 15 July this year at the church’s shrine in Marange, Manicaland Province.

He was charged for causing Annah’s death by impregnating her and failing to take her to receive healthcare services during her labour.

Momberume was granted $50 000 bail by High Court judge Justice Isaac Muzenda after spending some time in remand prison.

Annah’s death caused national outrage, prompting debate on the issue of child marriages not only in apostolic sects but across the country.

By A Correspondent- President Nelson Chamisa has thanked Zimbabweans adding that citizens’ commitment to a better Zimbabwe will see a peaceful and prosperous nation.

Said President Chamisa:

“Thank you Zimbabwe. I’m so humbled. I’m just amazed at the extent you Zimbabweans are willing to go, do and push to get us there to be free,happy, peaceful & prosperous again. This is commitment! You are making history. Thank you! Citizens are in it. #Godisinit.”

By A Correspondent- An AK-47 wielding Kenyan police officer shot dead six people, including his wife, and wounded two others before turning the gun on himself in Nairobi around 3 AM on Tuesday.

The officer first killed his wife in their home, shooting her in the neck with his service rifle before firing indiscriminately at neighbours, the Police Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said on Tuesday.

According to the DCI, three of the young men who were killed by the police officer were mourners who had just attended preparations for a funeral. It added:

After killing the three, the cop then turned his rifle at two Boda Boda (motorcycle taxi) riders, one of whom lost his life while undergoing treatment at the Kenyatta national hospital.

Two wounded people were also in critical condition, the DCI noted.

Francis Wahome, the officer in charge of Nairobi’s Dagoretti area, confirmed the incident and the death toll but gave no other details. He said:

We have lost six people all shot by the police officer before he committed suicide.

… We are told that the couple had issues and were quarrelling before.

Angry residents near where the incident took place later set fire to tyres on a road in a protest against the senseless shootings.

Cases of police officers shooting dead their spouses occur frequently in Kenya.

In November this year, another officer opened fire on his colleagues in central Kenya, fatally shooting one in the head before fleeing.

In November 2010, another police officer in a jealous rage shot dead 10 people including two of his colleagues in a rampage through two bars in central Kenya before surrendering to police.

He had tried to kill himself but had run out of ammunition, forcing him to surrender to the police.-Aljazeera

By A Correspondent- The Government says unvaccinated people will eventually be barred from boarding Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (ZUPCO) buses.

Addressing reporters on Tuesday at a post-cabinet briefing in the capital, Harare, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said a time will come when people without vaccination cards will not be allowed to use ZUPCO buses, kombis and trains. She said:

A time is coming when people will not be allowed to board public transport without a valid vaccination card.

Mutsvangwa, however, didn’t provide further details on when the measure would be implemented.

The announcement could be viewed as a strategy by the authorities to cajole vaccine-hesitant citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as the majority of Zimbabweans use public transport while private transport operators remain banned.

Zimbabwe is facing a resurgence of coronavirus infections, with 2 555 new cases recorded on 6 December with a 30 per cent test positivity rate according to data released by the Health Ministry.

The southern African nation is targetting to vaccinate 10 million people to attain herd immunity by the end of this year.

To date, less than 3 million people have been fully vaccinated even though the jabs are free of charge.

By A Correspondent- Midlands State University (MSU) has imposed a mandatory vaccination policy on its students following a rise in new coronavirus infections across the country and the emergence of a new variant, Omicron.

In a notice to students dated 3 December 2021, MSU Deputy Registrar (Academic Affairs) Kudzaishe Mudzingwa said unvaccinated students will be required to take a COVID-19 PCR test twice a week.

Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) secretary-general Tapiwanashe Chiriga has condemned MSU’s mandatory vaccination policy, describing the move as discriminatory. Said Chiriga:

Our position remains as it has always been. While we encourage students to get vaccinated, the right to accessible and affordable education cannot be determined by vaccination status.

He warned that mandatory vaccination will only fuel the forging of vaccination cards as students try to avoid the jab while attending lectures.

The Government has hitherto desisted from imposing new restrictions in spite of a sharp rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases at the learning institutions.

Only last week more than 100 students at Masvingo Teachers’ College tested positive for the virus while at Lupane State University (LSU) 50 students tested positive for coronavirus.

By A Correspondent-The Government says unvaccinated people will eventually be barred from boarding Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (ZUPCO) buses.

Addressing reporters on Tuesday at a post-cabinet briefing in the capital, Harare, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said a time will come when people without vaccination cards will not be allowed to use ZUPCO buses, kombis and trains. She said:
A time is coming when people will not be allowed to board public transport without a valid vaccination card.
Mutsvangwa, however, didn’t provide further details on when the measure would be implemented.

The announcement could be viewed as a strategy by the authorities to cajole vaccine-hesitant citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as the majority of Zimbabweans use public transport while private transport operators remain banned.
Zimbabwe is facing a resurgence of coronavirus infections, with 2 555 new cases recorded on 6 December with a 30 per cent test positivity rate according to data released by the Health Ministry.
The southern African nation is targetting to vaccinate 10 million people to attain herd immunity by the end of this year.
To date, less than 3 million people have been fully vaccinated even though the jabs are free of charge.

-State media

By A Correspondent- An AK-47 wielding Kenyan police officer shot dead six people, including his wife, and wounded two others before turning the gun on himself in Nairobi around 3 AM on Tuesday.

The officer first killed his wife in their home, shooting her in the neck with his service rifle before firing indiscriminately at neighbours, the Police Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said on Tuesday.

According to the DCI, three of the young men who were killed by the police officer were mourners who had just attended preparations for a funeral. It added:

After killing the three, the cop then turned his rifle at two Boda Boda(motorcycle taxi) riders, one of whom lost his life while undergoing treatment at the Kenyatta national hospital.

Two wounded people were also in critical condition, the DCI noted.

Francis Wahome, the officer in charge of Nairobi’s Dagoretti area, confirmed the incident and the death toll but gave no other details. He said:

We have lost six people all shot by the police officer before he committed suicide.

… We are told that the couple had issues and were quarrelling before.

Angry residents near where the incident took place later set fire to tyres on a road in a protest against the senseless shootings.

Cases of police officers shooting dead their spouses occur frequently in Kenya.

In November this year, another officer opened fire on his colleagues in central Kenya, fatally shooting one in the head before fleeing.

In November 2010, another police officer in a jealous rage shot dead 10 people including two of his colleagues in a rampage through two bars in central Kenya before surrendering to police.

He had tried to kill himself but had run out of ammunition, forcing him to surrender to the police.

More: Al Jazeera, The Guardian

By A Correspondent-Harare City Council has resolved to close Roadport Bus Terminus, amid a stand-off with the current operators.

The move has since received mixed feelings among city stakeholders, with some questioning Harare’s capacity to operate the terminus as most of its termini are in a poor state following years of negligence, despite collecting revenue from the same facilities.

Acting city mayor Musarurwa Stewart Mutizwa said the council resolved to go back to the drawing board and redraw the agreement following the lapsing of the Build Operate Transfer agreement.
“In the meantime, since the issue with Roadport Pvt Ltd is before the courts we agreed to say let it be emptied for now,” he said.
Roadport Pvt Ltd executive, Mrs Ruth Mugweni refused to be drawn into the matter.
“I cannot comment over the issue,” she said.

-Herald

By A Correspondent- Controversial dancers Beverly “Bev” Sibanda and Lady Storm had to be separated as they tussled during Alick Macheso’s recent family show held at Club Las Vegas.
A seething Bev claimed Lady Storm’s dancers bullied her in the toilet, which sparked a heated argument in the midst of Macheso’s show.
Although bouncers and friends were quick to intervene, Bev confronted Lady Storm who was restrained from attacking Bev.
Some of Lady Storm’s male dancers had a torrid time trying to calm down the two dancers as the argument almost degenerated into a fistfight.
The drama occurred after Lady Storm’s performance who as the opening act for Macheso.
“Your dancers have bullied me in the toilet, I don’t want drama here guys.
“I came here to enjoy myself and not to engage in these petty arguments.
“Lady Storm udza madancers ako azvibate,” said Bev as she charging towards Lady Storm who maintained her cool.
Lady Storm, a former soldier and martial arts enthusiast, surprised many has she remained calm throughout the drama.
“I’m now a grown-up who doesn’t want drama anymore.
“If she is having problems with my dancers, she must confront me and tell me what they have done wrong.
“She can be seen bullying others wherever she goes, kakajaidzwa,” Lady Storm was heard saying.

She however pleaded with H-Metro Entertainment not to publish the story.
“I don’t see a story here but you know Bev wants drama a lot.
“She can create a story to remain relevant but I am not that kind of person anymore.
“With maturity, you shun some of the funny stuff you sued to do like public violence,” he said.
Over the years, Bev has strived on ‘dissing’ fellow dancers like Zoey among others.
Her former manager Harpers Mapimhidze who was fired recently used to project her for the past 11 years before they ended their marriage.
A lot was expected from Bev to change her wayward behavior after getting married to overseas based husband Chambuka Mufudzi.
However, Bev appears to have changed into a ‘beast’ as she has gone back to her past ways.
Bev is one woman who cannot hide her feelings when wronged.
She normally shares her anger, grief and happiness on social media where doesn’t speak in riddles.
Her new tiff with Lady Storm caught many by surprise as the two hardly compete for the same fan base.
Lady Storm is now backed with a live band while Bev still remain a club dancer playing to backtracks.
She is also known for making cameo roles at other top musicians’ live shows. H Metro

By A Correspondent-Ousted Zanu PF Chivi South Member of Parliament, Killer Zivhu, said Douglas Mwonzora is the legitimate leader of the MDC.

Zivhu at the weekend also shocked the nation when he said that Mwonzora would win the 2023 Presidential elections.

He is these days seen with Mwonzora leaving people to wonder what the two are planning.

Below is what Zivhu posted on his Twitter handle praising Mwonzora:

“To be a leader you don’t need votes always, zvinongoitika zvoga Mwonzora wakadiwa na Mwari kuti atore chinhu. When Chamisa became the leader of MDC-T pakaitwa vhoti nani saka yavanguva ya Mwonzora mopopota ndezvenyu izvo famba Simboti famba,”

By A Correspondent- The trial for Orchestra Mberikwazvo dancer Selemani “Majuice” Mponchi, who is accused of rape, kicked off Monday with the complainant testifying that she had been friends with the dancer for three days when he reportedly raped her.

Mponchi pleaded not guilty before Harare regional magistrate Ignatio Mhene.
In denying the charges, Mponchi through his lawyer Ashiel Mugiya, told the court that he never raped the complainant but he had sexual intercourse with her after she had consented to it.
“Accused pleads not guilty to the charge of rape, he never raped the complainant and will tell the court that on the day in question he had sexual intercourse with the consent of the complainant as they were in a love relationship.
“He will tell the court that after the act he accompanied the complainant home and was surprised after a few days when the police contacted him for these allegations of rape.
“From the reading of the state papers it’s quite clear that the complainant was somehow coerced to raise these allegations against him.
“He believes that this was not a free and voluntary report but there was some illegitimate pressure on the complainant and will pray for his acquittal,” said Mugiya reading out the defence outline.
The State, represented by Shepherd Makonde, opened its case by leading evidence from the complainant who testified that the two were friends when the alleged incident occurred.
“We were sharing a friendship that of a brother and sister for about three days and when we met on the third day, he forced himself on me and raped me on August 21 this year.
“I asked him to take me to Kuwadzana where I was supposed to attend a birthday party and he agreed to accompany me and left me there.
“I didn’t feel comfortable at the party because I didn’t know anyone there so we communicated on WhatsApp and I told him that I wasn’t comfortable with the people at the party, he offered to pick me up and take me home.
“On our way he told me that he wanted to pass through a certain house to collect his laptop and he asked me to get in that was when he offered me a drink that he took from the fridge in a tumbler.
“I started having the drink while he went to buy food then I started feeling dizzy and slept and when I woke up he was back from the shops and he started kissing me on the neck the before raping me.
“I was feeling weak from the drink so I couldn’t fight him off so he slid my panties aside and penetrated I don’t know what really happened.
I tried to resist but couldn’t do anything as he was pinning me down,” she said.
The complainant denied ever having consented to the sexual intercourse or being in a love relationship with Mponchi but told the court that he had sent a text message proposing love to her a proposal which she denied because they had just met.
Mugiya through cross examination pointed out the inconsistencies in the complainant’s evidence in chief and on the statement she had given to the police.
She admitted that she had lied to her mother about what really transpired ‘to get her off her back about the ordeal.’
The matter is back in court tomorrow for trial continuation. H Metro

By A Correspondent- Controversial dancers Beverly “Bev” Sibanda and Lady Storm had to be separated as they tussled during Alick Macheso’s recent family show held at Club Las Vegas.
A seething Bev claimed Lady Storm’s dancers bullied her in the toilet, which sparked a heated argument in the midst of Macheso’s show.
Although bouncers and friends were quick to intervene, Bev confronted Lady Storm who was restrained from attacking Bev.
Some of Lady Storm’s male dancers had a torrid time trying to calm down the two dancers as the argument almost degenerated into a fistfight.
The drama occurred after Lady Storm’s performance who as the opening act for Macheso.
“Your dancers have bullied me in the toilet, I don’t want drama here guys.
“I came here to enjoy myself and not to engage in these petty arguments.
“Lady Storm udza madancers ako azvibate,” said Bev as she charging towards Lady Storm who maintained her cool.
Lady Storm, a former soldier and martial arts enthusiast, surprised many has she remained calm throughout the drama.
“I’m now a grown-up who doesn’t want drama anymore.
“If she is having problems with my dancers, she must confront me and tell me what they have done wrong.
“She can be seen bullying others wherever she goes, kakajaidzwa,” Lady Storm was heard saying.

She however pleaded with H-Metro Entertainment not to publish the story.
“I don’t see a story here but you know Bev wants drama a lot.
“She can create a story to remain relevant but I am not that kind of person anymore.
“With maturity, you shun some of the funny stuff you sued to do like public violence,” he said.
Over the years, Bev has strived on ‘dissing’ fellow dancers like Zoey among others.
Her former manager Harpers Mapimhidze who was fired recently used to project her for the past 11 years before they ended their marriage.
A lot was expected from Bev to change her wayward behavior after getting married to overseas based husband Chambuka Mufudzi.
However, Bev appears to have changed into a ‘beast’ as she has gone back to her past ways.
Bev is one woman who cannot hide her feelings when wronged.
She normally shares her anger, grief and happiness on social media where doesn’t speak in riddles.
Her new tiff with Lady Storm caught many by surprise as the two hardly compete for the same fan base.
Lady Storm is now backed with a live band while Bev still remain a club dancer playing to backtracks.
She is also known for making cameo roles at other top musicians’ live shows. H Metro

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has dismissed claims by the Zanu PF regime that the assassination attempts in Chiredzi and Mutare were dramatized.

Zanu PF agents attempted to assassinate President Chamisa In Masvingo and Manicaland during the vibrant MDC Alliance leader’s community engagement meetings in the respective provinces.

Speaking at Gogo Chamisa’s tombstone unveiling ceremony in Chiwara, Gutu on Saturday, the people’s President said he was ready to defeat the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa in the 2023 polls.

President Chamisa said:

” How can one fake an assassination attempt by destroying one’s car ? I know that they( Zanu PF agents) want to eliminate me but that’s impossible.

They tried it in Manicaland but touch not the anointed one.

They thought they had killed me in Mutare…

We know that they have hired foreign agents to eliminate us. We know everything.

They fired live bullets at my vehicle. ..

Violence will not end the deepening crisis.”

“Do you think I can be compared to Emmerson Mnangagwa ? I will defeat him in 2023. Do you think Biti can be compared to Mnangagwa’s vice presidents ? Sikhala cannot be compared to Muchinguri. We are miles ahead of them.

We are ready to deliver meaningful change to the people of Zimbabwe,” added President Chamisa.

By A Correspondent- An emotional Chief Murinye born Ephias Munodawafa had to be called to order in court on Tuesday when he went into a rage and called a female manager who he is accusing of refusing to surrender an Ursus laptop and a HP printer from his transport company.

Murinye was ordered by Martin Mureri to withdraw his words after he described Precious Mtetwa, a former employee at his ZIKRAG transport company a poor pathetic being who had nothing until he brought her into his company.

Magistrate Grace Tupiri and Mtetwa’s lawyer Martin Mureri of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) had to continue warning Murinye from using improper language during the court proceedings. Murinye went ballistic under cross examination from Mureri.

ZIKRAG had a tender to carry sugar at Tongaat Hullets.

Ironically Murinye is also a lawyer.

Mtetwa who has since left ZIKRAG to join a rival company is denying the allegations that she has the chief’s laptop being the laptop and printer and insists that the latter is trying to fix her.

Mureri told Chief Murinye during cross examination that he didn’t have evidence showing that he gave Mtetwa the printer and laptop and insisted that he falsified the report to fix Mtetwa for quitting his company.

Murinye conceded in court that he neither had the serial numbers for the said laptop nor printer. He urged the court to respect his word that his former employee had the property.

“What would you say if I told you that Mtetwa bought her own laptop and printer from South Africa?” quizzed Mureri.

“She is pathetic and cannot afford to buy anything from South Africa. Her salary doesn’t allow her to buy a laptop and a printer. I am the one who brought her from

Gweru to Chiredzi when she joined ZIKRAG Investments and she didn’t have anything,” said an irate Chief Murinye.

He was ordered to withdrew the word pathetic.-Mirror

By A Correspondent- The Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) is investigating how Doves Funeral Services handled the burial of the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe.

It is alleged that there was a burial mix up and Doves kept Chimwamurombe’s body in their mortuary for six months after burying an empty coffin at his home in Nyanga.

After realising the mistake, Doves then secretly buried Chimwamurombe’s body together with an unknown person in the same coffin in a pauper’s burial at Harare’s Granville Cemetery popularly known as (KuMbudzi).

The two bodies were exhumed in November under police investigations, and they were taken to Parirenyatwa hospital mortuary for DNA tests.

Police are expected to conduct another exhumation process in Nyanga to confirm the family buried an empty coffin.

Justifying its involvement, the regulator said the matter involved Doves Life Assurance (Private) Limited, which falls under its purview

Ipec also notified that all stakeholders will be informed after its processes are finalised.

“The Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) is a statutory body established in terms of the Insurance and Pensions Commission Act (Chapter 24:12), to regulate, supervise and monitor the activities of insurance entities and pension funds. IPEC is seized with the case of the alleged improper burial of a Doves Life Assurance policy beneficiary, the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe by Doves Funeral Services (Pvt) Ltd,” IPEC said in a statement Monday.

“While IPEC does not regulate funeral service providers such as Doves Funeral Services (Pvt) Ltd, its interest was drawn by the fact that the matter also involved the insurer, Doves Life Assurance, which it regulates. To this end IPEC and other stakeholders are seized with this matter. Other stakeholders will be informed of the outcome after the ongoing processes have been finalised.

The scandal led to pressure mounting on the Doves chief executive officer, Farai Matsika to step down due to suitability issues.

Matsika is currently facing multiple legal battles over the shareholding in the fledgling company.

The pressure on Matsika to step down has been fuelled by a heated dispute over shareholding in the company whereby allegations of fraud have been levelled against him.

The embattled CEO currently has three extant court orders operating against him, barring him from transferring the assets of Doves to any third party, restricting him from convening meetings and stopping any dealing in Doves shares.

In one such matter, filed with the High Court under HC1710/21 wherein IPEC is cited as a party, Matsika is accused of diverting an immovable property purchased by Doves to his own company, Faramatsi Motors (Private) Limited.

IPEC is a constitutionally constituted regulatory body for insurance and life assurance companies.

-NewZimbabwe

By A Correspondent- A brave Harare man has gunned down armed robbers who had broken into his Chadcombe house.

According to a post on the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s social media pages, the shoot-out took place Monday evening at around 20:45 hours.

” 1/2 Breaking The ZRP reports an armed robbery case at a house in Chadcombe, Harare on 06/12/21 at around 2045 hours, where three suspects were shot dead while two others escaped. The robbers attacked a family, took away US$850, Samsung cellphone and a shotgun,” ZRP posted.

By A Correspondent- Hundreds of people have been sleeping outside People’s Own Savings Bank in Masvingo since Wednesday last week queuing for foreign currency withdrawals which Gov promised them.

Efforts by The Mirror to get a comment from Fungai Paguti, the Bank’s branch manager were futile up to the time of going to Press.

Clients who spoke to The Mirror said the Bank was giving foreign currency to a maximum of seven people a day and the rest were offered RTGS$ withdrawals.
Most of the people travels from rural areas and they complained that they did not have fares to go back home and come back again the next day.
Some clients were defaulting on medication after they left tablets home. Clients also complained that they were hungry as they did not have money for food.
Police using horses sent people fleeing in all directions as they tried to bring order to the queues.
The situation was worse at POSB compared to other banks. Masvingo Mirror

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

By A Correspondent- AN MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa is said to be planning to invade the Midlands province, particularly Chirumanzu and Mberengwa districts, reliable sources have said.

Chamisa has been to different rural areas in the country to meet people during his “citizens convergence for change” tours..

His tours were marred by violence from Zanu PF thugs attempting to block him from meeting with citizens.

Chamisa was blocked and attacked in October and November when he visited Masvingo and Manicaland provinces.

There were also attempts to block him during his Mashonaland West, Central and Matabeleland tours.

A source in the MDC Alliance told Southern Eye that Chamisa would be visiting Chirumanzu and Mberengwa districts this week.

However, audio circulating on social media shows an unnamed female Zanu PF official is heard saying the ruling party would block Chamisa from entering Chirumanzu.

“Here in Chirumanzu South as we are talking, there is a rumour that Chamisa will visit Chirumanzu from today (Sunday) onwards. As people of Chirumanzu, we cannot allow our territory to be disturbed like that.
“We sat down as a leadership from the (Zanu PF) central committee to chairpersons of the district to discuss how we should defend our territory,” the Zanu PF official is heard saying on the audio.
“We must block all areas which we think Chamisa will come through from today. Right now police will be mounting roadblocks along the roads, and we will be inside the district and every group will be protecting their wards.”
The Zanu PF official is further heard saying the roads to be used by Chamisa must be blocked with stones and logs to ensure that he does not enter Chirumanzu.
“Last time we allowed him and he got almost 6 000 votes here. So as leaders we saw it fit that we should not allow him here.”
Contacted for comment, Zanu PF Midlands chairperson Daniel Mackenzie Ncube said: “I have listened to the audio. You can’t really make out the voice of the lady.
“The Churumanzu leadership is vehemently dissociating itself from the contents of the audio.
“I am not even aware that Chamisa would be visiting Chirumanzu. Maybe it is because most of the time I am in Mberengwa, and that is why I did not hear this.”
MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba said Chamisa and other leaders of the party were in Masvingo yesterday for the unveiling of his late mother’s tombstone.
Siziba said no matter the plots by Zanu PF to stop his “meet-the-people tours”, they would not succeed.
“The president is here in Gutu for his mother’s tombstone unveiling. Zanu PF will not stop us from moving anywhere in the country no matter how they try,” he said.
He, however, declined to reveal the exact dates when Chamisa would be visiting Chirumanzu and Mberengwa. “We listened to the audio and the party is not moved by the threats,” Siziba said. Newsday

By A Correspondent- Former Warriors striker Tendai Ndoro says he has become a Christian after his football career was blighted by an illness that left him blind for three weeks.

Ndoro (36) is now a worshipper at Victorious Family International Church, which meets at Mai Musodzi Hall in Mbare, Harare.

Giving his testimony to the congregants on Sunday, the former Warriors, Orlando Pirates and Chicken Inn striker said a lot of negative things have been said about him but he has now found solace in God. Said Ndoro:

I am very grateful and my life has since changed after I turned to God. There was a lot of hearsay concerning my life where nobody could confirm with me.

I turned blind for three weeks but with the support and prayers from my pastor, Kudakwashe Jose, everything has changed for the better as I can now see.

Ndoro also made headlines recently after being kicked out of his South African house by his South African woman because of bankruptcy.

He also thanked his family and fellow congregants for supporting him during his predicament. 

Ndoro said:

I am very happy with the support I have been receiving from my relatives and family members from the church.

It has been a long journey for me and it needs a whole day to explain but from the counselling and guidance I am getting from my church leader, everything is going on well.

Ndoro played for Mpumalanga Black Aces before joining Orlando Pirates in South Africa to become one of the wealthiest Zimbabwean footballers across the Limpopo at the time.

However, recent reports claimed that Ndoro had hit hard times and was being assisted by his relative Simba Ndoro, the owner of Northern Region Division One outfit Simba Bhora.

More: The Herald

By A Correspondent- The Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) has started investigations into how Doves Funeral Services handled the burial of the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe.

It is alleged that there was a burial mix up and Doves kept Chimwamurombe’s body in their mortuary for six months after burying an empty coffin at his home in Nyanga.

After realising the mistake, Doves then secretly buried Chimwamurombe’s body together with an unknown person in the same coffin in a pauper’s burial at Harare’s Granville Cemetery popularly known as (KuMbudzi).

The two bodies were exhumed in November under police investigations, and they were taken to Parirenyatwa hospital mortuary for DNA tests.

Police are expected to conduct another exhumation process in Nyanga to confirm the family buried an empty coffin.

Justifying its involvement, the regulator said the matter involved Doves Life Assurance (Private) Limited, which falls under its purview

Ipec also notified that all stakeholders will be informed after its processes are finalised.

“The Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) is a statutory body established in terms of the Insurance and Pensions Commission Act (Chapter 24:12), to regulate, supervise and monitor the activities of insurance entities and pension funds. IPEC is seized with the case of the alleged improper burial of a Doves Life Assurance policy beneficiary, the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe by Doves Funeral Services (Pvt) Ltd,” IPEC said in a statement Monday.

“While IPEC does not regulate funeral service providers such as Doves Funeral Services (Pvt) Ltd, its interest was drawn by the fact that the matter also involved the insurer, Doves Life Assurance, which it regulates. To this end IPEC and other stakeholders are seized with this matter. Other stakeholders will be informed of the outcome after the ongoing processes have been finalised.

The scandal led to pressure mounting on the Doves chief executive officer, Farai Matsika to step down due to suitability issues.

Matsika is currently facing multiple legal battles over the shareholding in the fledgling company.

The pressure on Matsika to step down has been fuelled by a heated dispute over shareholding in the company whereby allegations of fraud have been levelled against him.

The embattled CEO currently has three extant court orders operating against him, barring him from transferring the assets of Doves to any third party, restricting him from convening meetings and stopping any dealing in Doves shares.

In one such matter, filed with the High Court under HC1710/21 wherein IPEC is cited as a party, Matsika is accused of diverting an immovable property purchased by Doves to his own company, Faramatsi Motors (Private) Limited.

IPEC is a constitutionally constituted regulatory body for insurance and life assurance companies.

-NewZimbabwe

By A Correspondent-Norton MP, Temba Mliswa, said Zanu PF spokesperson, and War veterans chairman, Christopher Mutsvangwa was behind the plot to ouster Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

A private weekly has a story claiming that war veterans aligned to president Emmerson Mnangagwa were planning to give a vote of no confidence to Chiwenga.

On his Twitter handle Tuesday, outspoken Norton MP Temba Mliswa said Mutsvangwa was behind the plot.

“Mutsvangwa is the one who is always starting these factional ructions in ZANU PF. People take it lightly until it is serious. He was at the centre again when Mai Mujuru was ultimately removed. There is a pattern to this and it’s the same template,” said Mliswa.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has dismissed claims by the Zanu PF regime that the assassination attempts in Chiredzi and Mutare were dramatized.

Zanu PF agents attempted to assassinate President Chamisa In Masvingo and Manicaland during the vibrant MDC Alliance leader’s community engagement meetings in the respective provinces.

Speaking at Gogo Chamisa’s tombstone unveiling ceremony in Chiwara, Gutu on Saturday, the people’s President said he was ready to defeat the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa in the 2023 polls.

President Chamisa said:

” How can one fake an assassination attempt by destroying one’s car ? I know that they( Zanu PF agents) want to eliminate me but that’s impossible.

They tried it in Manicaland but touch not the anointed one.

They thought they had killed me in Mutare…

We know that they have hired foreign agents to eliminate us. We know everything.

They fired live bullets at my vehicle. ..

Violence will not end the deepening crisis.”

“Do you think I can be compared to Emmerson Mnangagwa ? I will defeat him in 2023. Do you think Biti can be compared to Mnangagwa’s vice presidents ? Sikhala cannot be compared to Muchinguri. We are miles ahead of them.

We are ready to deliver meaningful change to the people of Zimbabwe,” added President Chamisa.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has dismissed claims by the Zanu PF regime that the assassination attempts in Chiredzi and Mutare were dramatized.

Zanu PF agents attempted to assassinate President Chamisa In Masvingo and Manicaland during the vibrant MDC Alliance leader’s community engagement meetings in the respective provinces.

Speaking at Gogo Chamisa’s tombstone unveiling ceremony in Chiwara, Gutu on Saturday, the people’s President said he was ready to defeat the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa in the 2023 polls.

President Chamisa said:

” How can one fake an assassination attempt by destroying one’s car ? I know that they( Zanu PF agents) want to eliminate me but that’s impossible.

They tried it in Manicaland but touch not the anointed one.

They thought they had killed me in Mutare…

We know that they have hired foreign agents to eliminate us. We know everything.

They fired live bullets at my vehicle. ..

Violence will not end the deepening crisis.”

“Do you think I can be compared to Emmerson Mnangagwa ? I will defeat him in 2023. Do you think Biti can be compared to Mnangagwa’s vice presidents ? Sikhala cannot be compared to Muchinguri. We are miles ahead of them.

We are ready to deliver meaningful change to the people of Zimbabwe,” added President Chamisa.

By A Correspondent- The trial of Vice president Constantino Chiwenga’s wife, Marry, started Monday, despite calls from all over the country for Chiwenga to stop persecuting his wife.

The trial started with Marry pleading not guilty to numerous charges, including killing Chiwenga and money laundering.

Marry also denied trying to secretly arrange a wedding with the Vice President saying the latter was fully aware of the plan.

Her lawyer Ms Beatrice Mtetwa had initially applied for the recusal of Harare magistrate Mr Lazini Ncube from presiding over the case arguing that he would not give her client a fair trial.

Ms Mtetwa said she strongly believed Mr Ncube could not determine the case impartially and claimed the magistrate was making decisions on mood swings.
“The law requires that you should recuse yourself as there is a perception that you may be biased. We fear that you will not give the accused person an impartial trial that she deserves,” said Ms Mtetwa.
Ms Mtetwa said her application was based on consistent behaviour by the magistrate against her client.
Prosecutor Mr Tafara Chirambira, however, opposed the application saying the court should not abdicate its functions.

“The defence cannot choose a judicial officer of their own,” he said.
Last week two doctors who recently examined Mubaiwa sent reports to the court claiming that she was mentally fit for trial.
The application was dismissed.
Ms Mtetwa read her client’s defence outline in court stating.
In her defence, Marry said from the time VP Chiwenga paid lobola (bride price) in July 2011 the parties had agreed that they would formally wed and a wedding was requested from her family upon conclusion of the lobola ceremony.
“She will state that she was with the complainant in India in 2019 where she was receiving medical treatment and having so much time in their hands led them to discussing the wedding and they agreed that if they would be back home by July 2, 2019 they would have a small wedding,” reads the defence outline.

She further stated that the deposit of US$15 000 paid for the rings was paid.
“She will further point out that the complainant indicated that he would ask the President to be the best man and since the date had been set, she believed he had asked him” reads her defence outline.
“If he was unaware of the wedding and its date, he would not have spoken about asking the President to be his best man,” she said.
Marry said when they returned to Zimbabwe, the jeweller came to their house to measure their fingers and the complainant fully recognised the jeweller.
The State called its first witness former Judge president Justice George Chiweshe who is now working at the Supreme Court.
In his testimony Justice Chiweshe said he knew Marry as a niece in the extended family sense and a wife to the Vice President.
He said he also worked with the Vice President during the liberation struggle.
“Sometime in mid-2019, the accused person phoned me and said they would want me solemnise their wedding which would be held at their home in Borrowdale Brooke.

“I advised her that this process was done at the Magistrates Court and I could only assist by communicating with the then Chief Magistrate Mr Munamato Mutevedzi.
“I communicated with Mutevedzi and he said he was willing to help as the marriage officer for that occasion,” said Justice Chiweshe.
During cross examination by Ms Mtetwa Justice Chiweshe said he did not suspect any falsehoods from Marry as she was the complainant’s wife.
“It would be strange for a spouse to organise such a ceremony without her husband’s knowledge, that’s why I believed her,” he said.
He did not believe something amiss at that time Marry called him asking for assistance.
The matter was deferred to today for continuation.

-Herald

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu has been accused of invading the hotly contested Esidakeni Farm in Matabeleland North and chasing away workers.

The farm has come under the spotlight after the government parcelled it out to Mpofu and state security agents as well as National University of Science and Technology lecturer Dumisani Madzivanyati under unclear circumstances.

Malunga, Dhlamini and Moyo are challenging the seizure of the farm in the courts arguing that it was unfairly parcelled out after they bought it from a white former commercial farmer.

The dispute took a nasty turn yesterday after the alleged invasion by Mpofu’s son and “scores of people”.

“I just received a message from my partner Zeph Dhlamini at Esidakeni Farm that Obert Mpofu sent his son and scores of people there,” Malunga said.
“They are ploughing our fields. They chased our workers from the irrigation points and threatened them against taking pictures. This is what Zimbabwe has become.
“We will defend our rights. We will evict them and his people and we will not rest until he answers for his corrupt and criminal abuse of power and authority.
“We know we are not his only victims.” He added: “So this was the cowardly threat he was making: to invade our farm.
“Our fathers and our liberation heroes are surely turning in their graves. But we will fight Obert Mpofu.
“He does not intimidate us.” Malunga, Moyo and Dhlamini are challenging Mpofu’s offer letter for part of the property.
Malunga accused Mpofu of “primitive accumulation of wealth”.
“It’s called primitive accumulation.
“Primitive accumulation because it is primordial, animalistic, irrational and corrupt.
“Accumulation because it is voracious, expropriatory. It’s about taking everything from everyone,” he said.
“After initially denying it, Mpofu has now admitted that he grabbed our farm because he has no farm to grow crops.
“The sense of entitlement is nauseating. The unbridled greed is shocking. He had to take our farm.
“There is nothing revolutionary about his primitive accumulation. In time, I will say how he refused to allocate land to me and my brother Busi 20 years ago after being asked by (late vice-president John Nkomo).
“Then he takes our farm 21 years later.” Mpofu yesterday said he does not “respond to nonsense” when contacted for comment.
On Friday, he posted on Twitter: “I proudly possess an offer later, which was offered after due process. Fronting whites is not due process but trying to justify an illegality is criminal.”
Last week, the sheriff of the High Court evicted Madzivanyati from the farm following a recent High Court order to that effect notwithstanding an appeal he lodged at the Supreme Court.
Justice Evangelista Kabasa’s October 28 order came after Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Martin Makonese also ordered Madzivanyati to stop farming activities and return the farm to the owners. Standard

By A Correspondent- The rape trial of Harare-based pastor Tapiwa Freddy has been set for the 6th of January 2022.

The founder and leader of Goodness and Mercy Ministries appeared in court for his routine remand this Monday.

Prosecutors told the court that they are prepared to commence the trial on the 6th of January 2022 after carrying out further investigations.

Freddy (39), is facing allegations of raping a 33-year-old Harare woman on several occasions.

The self-styled prophet was arrested last month on allegations of raping the woman after promising to assist her with the upkeep of her child.

The court heard that three months after the death of the complainant’s husband in 2020, Freddy proposed love to the woman but she spurned her advances as she was still mourning her husband as per traditional protocols.

Some time in November 2020, Freddy reportedly visited the complainant’s rural home to see her child.

On his return, Freddy allegedly raped the complainant and instructed her to consider him as her new husband, threatening to cast a spell over her if she resisted.

Prosecutors further alleged that sometime in August this year, Freddy took her victim to Moja Shopping Centre in Mbare.

He reportedly physically abused the woman, who is physically challenged and nearly overran her following a heated argument.

More: ZBC News

By A Correspondent-President Cyril Ramaphosa introduces a set of new lockdown measures to curb rising coronavirus infections fuelled by the Omicron variant.

Ramaphosa (69) published his weekly letter to the nation, encouraging all citizens to get their COVID-19 vaccines immediately.

The South African president addressed his compatriots eight days ago but chose not to rock the boat but rather to maintain the status quo.

The National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) is set to meet later this week to “review the state of the pandemic”, with a presidential address to the nation likely to follow. Said Ramaphosa:

We will know more about the Omicron variant in the coming days and weeks. 

At the same time, we are keeping a close eye on the rates of infection and hospitalisation. I call on all South Africans to go and get vaccinated without delay.

We will soon be convening a meeting of the National Coronavirus Command Council to review the state of the pandemic.

This will enable us to take whatever further measures are needed to keep people safe and healthy.

More: The South African

By A Correspondent- AN MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa is said to be planning to invade the Midlands province, particularly Chirumanzu and Mberengwa districts, reliable sources have said.

Chamisa has been to different rural areas in the country to meet people during his “citizens convergence for change” tours..

His tours were marred by violence from Zanu PF thugs attempting to block him from meeting with citizens.

Chamisa was blocked and attacked in October and November when he visited Masvingo and Manicaland provinces.

There were also attempts to block him during his Mashonaland West, Central and Matabeleland tours.

A source in the MDC Alliance told Southern Eye that Chamisa would be visiting Chirumanzu and Mberengwa districts this week.

However, audio circulating on social media shows an unnamed female Zanu PF official is heard saying the ruling party would block Chamisa from entering Chirumanzu.

“Here in Chirumanzu South as we are talking, there is a rumour that Chamisa will visit Chirumanzu from today (Sunday) onwards. As people of Chirumanzu, we cannot allow our territory to be disturbed like that.
“We sat down as a leadership from the (Zanu PF) central committee to chairpersons of the district to discuss how we should defend our territory,” the Zanu PF official is heard saying on the audio.
“We must block all areas which we think Chamisa will come through from today. Right now police will be mounting roadblocks along the roads, and we will be inside the district and every group will be protecting their wards.”
The Zanu PF official is further heard saying the roads to be used by Chamisa must be blocked with stones and logs to ensure that he does not enter Chirumanzu.
“Last time we allowed him and he got almost 6 000 votes here. So as leaders we saw it fit that we should not allow him here.”
Contacted for comment, Zanu PF Midlands chairperson Daniel Mackenzie Ncube said: “I have listened to the audio. You can’t really make out the voice of the lady.
“The Churumanzu leadership is vehemently dissociating itself from the contents of the audio.
“I am not even aware that Chamisa would be visiting Chirumanzu. Maybe it is because most of the time I am in Mberengwa, and that is why I did not hear this.”
MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba said Chamisa and other leaders of the party were in Masvingo yesterday for the unveiling of his late mother’s tombstone.
Siziba said no matter the plots by Zanu PF to stop his “meet-the-people tours”, they would not succeed.
“The president is here in Gutu for his mother’s tombstone unveiling. Zanu PF will not stop us from moving anywhere in the country no matter how they try,” he said.
He, however, declined to reveal the exact dates when Chamisa would be visiting Chirumanzu and Mberengwa. “We listened to the audio and the party is not moved by the threats,” Siziba said.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- A 40-year-old member of the End Time Church in Chipinge stormed out of a church service and killed herself because she was tired of staying with an unemployed and broke husband.

Precious Mushunje’s body was found a few metres from the church’s premises at Chipinge Government Farm after a search by her husband, Edwin Chikwanha (54) and fellow church members.

She left a suicide note revealing that she was living a stressful life because her unemployed husband was not helping her with anything.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Vimbai Mangundu confirmed the incident to The Manica Post. She said:

Mushunje of medium-density area of Chipinge left home proceeding to a church service at End Time Church near her residence.

Around midday, her son realised that her mother had stormed out of the church and tried to locate her without any joy.

He informed his father, Mr Edwin Chikwanha (54) who proceeded to make a report at Chipinge Police Station.

Searches were done with the help of church members before she was found lying dead a few metres away from the church premises.

A suicide note was recovered near her body and it stated that she was not happy because her husband was broke and unemployed.

Mangundu urged members of the public to seek counselling services whenever they are depressed with something.

More: The Manica Post

By A Correspondent-A Mutare woman is suing a Chinese-owned mining company Xu Zhong Jin Investments after it allegedly caused the death of her husband by burying him alive in one of its shafts.

The miner, Sure Mutamba, and his colleague Vincent Gundo who were artisanal miners, were buried alive when Xu Zhong Jin Investments filled the pit they were in.

The company reportedly dumped earth into the pit even though it was warned that there were two people inside.

The bodies of the miners were retrieved three days later following protests by neighbouring communities.

Mutamba’s widow, Nester Munyongani, and her four-year-old child are demanding $2 million from Xu Zhong Jin Investments as compensation for causing the death of her husband and father and for loss of support.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), who are representing Munyongani and her child, said in a statement:

Xu Zhong Jin Investments, a Chinese mining company is standing trial after being sued for damages by the widow and child of Sure Mutamba, an artisanal miner, who was buried alive in November 2020 as the Chinese miner was rehabilitating a mining site at Premier Estate in Old Mutare in Manicaland province.

The widow, Nester Munyongani and her four-year-old minor child are suing Xu Zhong Jin Investments for $2 million for negligently causing the death of Mutamba and for loss of support emanating from his death.

Mutamba’s body was only exhumed three days after he died following protests by community members over the inhumane operations of the Chinese miner.

The Chinese miner had been advised that Mutamba was underground before its employees even closed the deep pit but they proceeded and closed the pit.

More: NewZimbabwe.com

By Investigative Reporter | ZANU PF F has made the tiny town of Gokwe (currently with a population of less than 500,000 people, produce a record 5,000,000 votes.

A leaked audio of the current ambassador to Mozambique, Victor Matemanda, has the former National Commissar spilling how this has been done. In the lengthy clip, the former Deputy Defence Minister announces in part saying (part transcript):

This is not the first time that elections are being held in the Gokwe town. These elections began in 1980. Other people don’t know that if we start with the council in 1980 it had many counsellors 38 in number but the miracles that happened in the town is that during that time there was ZAPU and ZANU. Each won 18. Many who are running today, do not know what they’re talking about; they don’t know that the problem of the council getting into a crisis of 18 apiece, how did we solve it. We will just tell those who ask us.

All those who you see our jumping up and down do not know this thing. They do not know that the town is structured in what way from the time it was north and south. Many do not know and many do not want to ask because they pretend like they know. Those who were there they know that it was once one constituency. You know it well, right now … those constituencies are now 9-in number many who are jumping around do not know how the 9 constituencies came about; don’t want to work with those who made it work for the new 9 constituencies.

That’s why you see right now while in Gokwe, that we want 5 million votes.

Meanwhile, contacted for a comment, Ambassador Matemadanda had not responded at the time of writing. Several insiders however confirmed the audio saying it is Matemadanda’s.

By A Correspondent- A Police officer died after he was allegedly attacked, resulting in a deep cut on the back of the head and bruises in the mouth in the early hours of yesterday in Pumula South, Bulawayo.

Sunday News visited the area yesterday where shocked residents said the murder was worrying and could have been fuelled by bars in the area that were flouting Covid-19 lockdown measures by operating late into the night.
A resident said he was a friend of the police officer and expressed shock at his death.
“He was my friend and had been for a long time.
I am saddened by his death and hope those responsible will be arrested soon.
My friend didn’t even drink alcohol and did not deserve to die the way he did,” the friend said.
Some residents said gangs were patrolling the area and drinking beer at local bars late into the night.
Police officers told Sunday News that the body of their colleague was discovered by two officers who were on night patrol.
The patrol team had responded after a resident reported that there was a body lying near Eyethu Sports Bar at Makoni Shopping Centre in Pumula South at around 1.30am.
“The police officers proceeded to check on the state of the body.
When they checked for pulse on the neck and wrist, no pulse could be felt.
Upon discovering that the body was lifeless one of the officers went to the station to inform their superior,” an officer said.
The officer said they managed to positively identify the body as that of their colleague and it had a deep cut at the back of the head on the right side and bruises on the mouth.
The officer added that their colleague was on morning shift at Emthunzini base and had knocked off duty at 1pm on Friday.
Police could not immediately give an official comment on the matter. Sunday News

Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has said the late human rights defender Dewa Mavhinga was a solid democrat and fighter.

Dewa Mavhinga was found dead in a hotel room on Saturday.

Said President Chamisa in a brief statement:

I’m in the countryside yet so gutted and deeply devastated. Death is always an unbearable blow.

We’ve lost a fighter, an intelligent patriot, rights defender & a solid democrat.A Cde in the struggle for freedom in Zimbabwe.A very humble Comrade indeed! My Condolences to his beloved wife Fiona & the entire family.

I’m really saddened. May God grant us the courage to be bold and brave through it all. RIP my Cde!

An MDC Alliance official has claimed that they have unearthed a Zanu PF plot to block opposition party leader Nelson Chamisa from visiting the Midlands province, particularly Chirumanzu and Mberengwa districts this week.

Chamisa has been to different rural areas in the country to meet people during his “citizens convergence for change” tours.

In October and November, Chamisa was blocked and attacked when he visited Masvingo and Manicaland provinces. There were also attempts to block him during his Mashonaland West, Central and Matabeleland tours.

A source in the MDC Alliance told Southern Eye that Chamisa would be visiting Chirumanzu and Mberengwa districts this week.

However, there is an audio circulating on social media where an unnamed female Zanu PF official is heard saying the ruling party would block Chamisa from entering Chirumanzu.

“Here in Chirumanzu South as we are talking, there is a rumour that Chamisa will visit Chirumanzu from today (Sunday) onwards. As people of Chirumanzu, we cannot allow our territory to be disturbed like that.

“We sat down as a leadership from the (Zanu PF) central committee to chairpersons of the district to discuss how we should defend our territory,” the Zanu PF official is heard saying on the audio.

“We must block all areas which we think Chamisa will come through from today. Right now police will be mounting roadblocks along the roads, and we will be inside the district and every group will be protecting their wards.”

The Zanu PF official is further heard saying the roads to be used by Chamisa must be blocked with stones and logs to ensure that he does not enter Chirumanzu.

“Last time we allowed him and he got almost 6 000 votes here. So as leaders we saw it fit that we should not allow him here.”

Contacted for comment, Zanu PF Midlands chairperson Daniel Mackenzie Ncube said: “I have listened to the audio. You can’t really make out the voice of the lady.

“The Churumanzu leadership is vehemently dissociating itself from the contents of the audio.

“I am not even aware that Chamisa would be visiting Chirumanzu. Maybe it is because most of the time I am in Mberengwa, and that is why I did not hear this.”

MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba said Chamisa and other leaders of the party were in Masvingo yesterday for the unveiling of his late mother’s tombstone.

Siziba said no matter the plots by Zanu PF to stop his “meet-the-people tours”, they would not succeed.

“The president is here in Gutu for his mother’s tombstone unveiling. Zanu PF will not stop us from moving anywhere in the country no matter how they try,” he said.

He, however, declined to reveal the exact dates when Chamisa would be visiting Chirumanzu and Mberengwa. “We listened to the audio and the party is not moved by the threats,” Siziba said. -Newsday

The Dewa Lessons and Values

By AGO Mutambara in Memory of Dewa Mavhinga 06/12/2021

Self-selection: Leadership is a decision. Leaders are neither born nor made. Leadership is a choice. Dewa chose to lead.

Self-sacrifice: The price of freedom is death. The path of a revolutionary is a journey of sacrifices. If you are not prepared to die for freedom, you don’t deserve freedom. If you are not prepared to die for justice, you don’t deserve justice. If you are not prepared to die for democracy, you don’t deserve democracy. A revolutionary has no life. It belongs to the struggle, to the people, to the cause. Dewa understood this.

Education and hard work: Revolutionaries must diligently and masterfully pursue both formal and informal exposure or training. There must be excellence in both the streets and the classrooms. Change agents must be relentless and fearless. Dewa was an embodiment of courage and a personification of excellence.

Disagree without being disagreeable: Fighters for and defenders of human rights, democracy and freedom must NOT use terms like sellout or traitor to describe those they disagree with in a common struggle, be they rivals or opponents. Freedom fighters must NOT use and internalize repressive regimes’ violent and disparaging language. Such language is meant to de-legitimize competitors and justify their physical elimination (death). Human rights activists, opposition activists and progressive journalists cannot be part of such a value system. Dewa never stooped that low.

Rest in Peace, an icon of the Human Rights struggles in Zimbabwe, SADC, Africa and the Global South

By A Correspondent- A Gold panner from Gwanda is on the run after he fatally stabbed his workmate with an okapi knife in a dispute over sharing of money.

Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident which occurred on December 4 at around 9PM at Majoda Farm panning site in West Nicholson.

She said Norman Moyo (27) of Matshesheni area in Gwanda stabbed Bhekinkosi Moyo (30) also from the same area below his left breast before fleeing the scene.

“I can confirm that we recorded a murder case which occurred in West Nicholson area where a man was stabbed to death. Norman Moyo and Bhekinkosi Moyo were at Majoda Farm panning site when they had a misunderstanding over sharing of an undisclosed amount of money they realised after selling gold.
“The misunderstanding turned into a fight and they exchanged blows. Norman retrieved an okapi knife and stabbed Bhekinkosi below his left breast before fleeing the scene. Bhekinkosi bled profusely as a result on the attack and died on the spot,” she said.
Insp Mangena appealed to members of the public that have information on the whereabouts of Norman to visit any police station near them. She urged members of the public to desist from resorting to violence when faced with disputes.

-Chronicle

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu was yesterday accused of invading the hotly contested Esidakeni Farm in Matabeleland North and chasing away workers.

The farm has come under the spotlight after the government parcelled it out to Mpofu and state security agents as well as National University of Science and Technology lecturer Dumisani Madzivanyati under unclear circumstances.

Malunga, Dhlamini and Moyo are challenging the seizure of the farm in the courts arguing that it was unfairly parcelled out after they bought it from a white former commercial farmer.

The dispute took a nasty turn yesterday after the alleged invasion by Mpofu’s son and “scores of people”.

“I just received a message from my partner Zeph Dhlamini at Esidakeni Farm that Obert Mpofu sent his son and scores of people there,” Malunga said.
“They are ploughing our fields. They chased our workers from the irrigation points and threatened them against taking pictures. This is what Zimbabwe has become.
“We will defend our rights. We will evict them and his people and we will not rest until he answers for his corrupt and criminal abuse of power and authority.
“We know we are not his only victims.” He added: “So this was the cowardly threat he was making: to invade our farm.
“Our fathers and our liberation heroes are surely turning in their graves. But we will fight Obert Mpofu.
“He does not intimidate us.” Malunga, Moyo and Dhlamini are challenging Mpofu’s offer letter for part of the property.
Malunga accused Mpofu of “primitive accumulation of wealth”.
“It’s called primitive accumulation.
“Primitive accumulation because it is primordial, animalistic, irrational and corrupt.
“Accumulation because it is voracious, expropriatory. It’s about taking everything from everyone,” he said.
“After initially denying it, Mpofu has now admitted that he grabbed our farm because he has no farm to grow crops.
“The sense of entitlement is nauseating. The unbridled greed is shocking. He had to take our farm.
“There is nothing revolutionary about his primitive accumulation. In time, I will say how he refused to allocate land to me and my brother Busi 20 years ago after being asked by (late vice-president John Nkomo).
“Then he takes our farm 21 years later.” Mpofu yesterday said he does not “respond to nonsense” when contacted for comment.
On Friday, he posted on Twitter: “I proudly possess an offer later, which was offered after due process. Fronting whites is not due process but trying to justify an illegality is criminal.”
Last week, the sheriff of the High Court evicted Madzivanyati from the farm following a recent High Court order to that effect notwithstanding an appeal he lodged at the Supreme Court.
Justice Evangelista Kabasa’s October 28 order came after Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Martin Makonese also ordered Madzivanyati to stop farming activities and return the farm to the owners. Standard

By A Correspondent-A Police officer died after he was allegedly attacked, resulting in a deep cut on the back of the head and bruises in the mouth in the early hours of yesterday in Pumula South, Bulawayo.

Sunday News visited the area yesterday where shocked residents said the murder was worrying and could have been fuelled by bars in the area that were flouting Covid-19 lockdown measures by operating late into the night.
A resident said he was a friend of the police officer and expressed shock at his death.
“He was my friend and had been for a long time.
I am saddened by his death and hope those responsible will be arrested soon.
My friend didn’t even drink alcohol and did not deserve to die the way he did,” the friend said.
Some residents said gangs were patrolling the area and drinking beer at local bars late into the night.
Police officers told Sunday News that the body of their colleague was discovered by two officers who were on night patrol.
The patrol team had responded after a resident reported that there was a body lying near Eyethu Sports Bar at Makoni Shopping Centre in Pumula South at around 1.30am.
“The police officers proceeded to check on the state of the body.
When they checked for pulse on the neck and wrist, no pulse could be felt.
Upon discovering that the body was lifeless one of the officers went to the station to inform their superior,” an officer said.
The officer said they managed to positively identify the body as that of their colleague and it had a deep cut at the back of the head on the right side and bruises on the mouth.
The officer added that their colleague was on morning shift at Emthunzini base and had knocked off duty at 1pm on Friday.
Police could not immediately give an official comment on the matter. Sunday News

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwean community in Johannesburg’s northern suburb of Windsor East was at the weekend thrown into mourning following the deaths of three of their friends who died in an accident near the Rhema Church in Randburg.

The trio of Liberty Makore (27), Eddie Tapera (26) and Laura Sanyika (24) were killed when an Audi A4 hit the car they were travelling in during the early hours of last Sunday on their way from a popular entertainment centre called Pamusha near Cosmo City.
The driver of the car they were in and another female passenger survived the mishap and are out of hospital.
Tapera died instantly while Makore died on the way to hospital. Sanyika was in a coma and succumbed to her injuries last Sunday afternoon.
The driver of the car that hit them, varnished from the scene and the South African Police Service is hunting for him. They just left the wrecked cars and fled the scene.
For a whole week, the community joined hands and attended funeral services throughout the week.
On Friday and Saturday, hundreds brought the township to a standstill and they conducted a street send-off gala at the Windsor East shopping centre.
Police could not even attempt to disrupt the event that was characterized by song and dance as they sent off Tapera and Makore over the two days.
Tapera was repatriated on late Friday afternoon while Makore was sent home on Saturday afternoon.
Makore was in the tree-felling business and his fellow colleagues brought motorised chainsaws imitating what he used to do when he was at work.
Others danced on top of the trailer that was carrying his remains.
Expensive gin, beer and whiskey was poured on top of the trailer as a “way of celebrating his way of life”.
Some ladies sang songs whose lyrics are unprintable claiming he was one of their “clients”.
Some blew condoms and spread them across the tarmac. Fireworks and helium balloons were also in the mix as the ‘celebratory’ mood continued.
Renowned pastor Kelvin Zivavose had a hard time delivering his send-off service sermon.
He had to also climb on top of the hearse in order to be heard. He was flanked by another elder in the community Nyasha Mupimbira.
“Let me remind all of you that you must be always in good books with the Lord. Remember one day you shall leave this earth and you shall be accountable to God.
“Take time to get to learn the word of God. We may be mourning Liberty today but tomorrow it could be you. Be ready for that day,” preached Pastor Kelvin.
A number of other community leaders donated their vehicles to be used during the funeral service.
“As a community of Zimbabweans in a foreign land we need to remain united and help each other especially when it is a time of need like this.
“We have plans to set up a formal society where we will pool funds together so that we assist each other in times of needs,” said James Chetsanga one of the leaders.
After the sermon the hearse moved onto the N1 highway which connects Johannesburg and Beitbridge.
Again there was a traffic blockade as the singing and dancing continued.
Tapera was buried in Mhondoro on Saturday and Makore was expected to be buried in Shurugwi today.
Plans are underway to ensure the remains of Sanyika are sent home before the end of the week. “We will be back again on the streets during the week to ensure Laura gets a decent send-off as well.
“We will not get tired,” quipped one of the ghetto youths known as Hebza “Childish Gambino” Jakaz.

• H Metro

By A Correspondent- The battle for the control of Matabeleland North by Zanu PF factions is heating up with one of the camps accused of resorting to dirty tactics.

Former Tsholotsho senator Believe Gaule, who is said to be a staunch ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is seeking to topple Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs minister Richard Moyo as provincial chairperson.

Gaule, a former Zanu PF district coordinating committee chairman for Tsholotsho, is said to be enjoying an upper hand in the race as shown by the outcome of district elections held so far.

In the Hwange district elections held last weekend, Reeds Dube who is fighting in Gaule’s corner polled 475 votes against 65 for Gift Nyoni, a Moyo supporter.

Gaule is said to be controlling five districts, which are his home area of Tsholotsho, Bubi, Binga, Nkayi and Hwange.

On his part Moyo has Umguza in his pocket while Lupane is split between the two protagonists.

Gaule’s supporters are accusing Moyo of employing dirty tactics like threatening to suspend some districts chairpersons for refusing to support him.
He is also accused of using state resources for his campaign activities.
Sources said during the Hwange elections, Moyo’s teams were distributing t-shirts with messages such as “Givie (Gift Nyoni) ngena (get in), Reeds phuma (get out)”.
A message distributed through a WhatsApp group and written by one James Phiri from Hwange read: “On Saturday Lwendulo will decide whether to accept and follow Gaule or remain Zanu PF with Gift Nyoni.
“The good thing about Hwange people is that they will pretend to like you, but take you out through the ballot. Lwendulo think and act wisely.”
Gaule was one of the people behind the Dinyane High School meeting in 2004, which was later to be known as the Tsholotsho Declaration.
A total of six provincial chairpersons namely Philip Chiyangwa (Mashonaland West), now late Themba Ncube (Bulawayo), July Moyo (Midlands), Jacob Mudenda (Matabeleland North), Lloyd Siyoka (Matabeleland South), Daniel Shumba (Masvingo) and Mike Madiro (Manicaland) attended the gathering under the guise of a prize giving ceremony.
It later turned out the meeting was meant to push for Mnangagwa to take over the post of vice president ahead of Joice Mujuru.
The vice presidency had become vacant following the death of Simon Muzenda.
However, at the end of the day then president Robert Mugabe supported Mujuru and Mnangagwa’s plans were scuttled.
At the Dinyane meeting Gaule had brought a leopard skin for Mnangagwa who was supposed to the guest of honour at the prize giving day ceremony, but ended up not turning up due to an emergency politburo meeting and Patrick Chinamasa had to stand in for him.
Artefacts such as leopard skins are only reserved for royalty in the African set-up.
Gaule and Moyo could not be reached for comment yesterday. Standard

By A Correspondent- At least 990 Prison officers have tested positive for Covid-19 in the country’s prisons since the pandemic, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services has announced.

ZPCS Commissioner-General Moses Chihobvu told the Sunday Mail that they managed to contain the situation and avoided further spreading of the virus.

“As part of measures to contain its (the virus) spread, the ZPCS has been religiously following and adhering to both the WHO (World Health Organisation) and national guidelines and protocols to prevent the spread of this virus.”
He added: “Those infected have been isolated to curb the spread of the disease. Uptake of vaccination has also been pleasing.
“We are also cognisant of the fact that there is a new variant that was recently detected in Botswana and South Africa; hence the ZPCS continues to conduct awareness campaigns within its cantonment areas.
“In terms of statistics, a total number of 992 officers and 2 038 inmates were infected with the virus, with 32 deaths being recorded (10 officers, 18 inmates and four dependants).”

He said 90 percent of all prison officers have been vaccinated against Covid-19.

-Sunday Mail

By A Correspondent- Investment banker and Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) chief executive Mr Douglas Munatsi was buried at Greendale Cemetery in Harare Sunday, with his family demanding answeres on the cause of the fire that killed him.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Province Oliver Chidawu described Mr Munatsi as a charismatic man who built big businesses from nothing.
“When we started BancABC, Douglas was the brains behind. I had no idea about a balance sheet, but he was a man who was able to bring talent to achieve his objectives,” he said.
“We did not have money, but we had brains and we achieved a lot. His death is not only a loss to the Munatsi family, but a loss to the whole country.
“We have lost a committed and hardworking man who was determined to work for his country. He was the chief investment officer of the Government; he was also the chief marketing officer of the Government and the void he has left is irreplaceable.”
BancABC chief executive Dr Lance Mambondiani said Mr Munatsi, like his name, did good to people and the nation.
“We recognise Douglas not only as a leader to his family and his private businesses, but also as someone who decided to leave a private life to serve his country.
“He had the courage to do so and he died contributing to his country,” said Dr Mambondiani.
A family friend, Mr Francis Dzanya, said Mr Munatsi was a hardworking family man and great friend.
“People walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave a footprint in your heart. Douglas was an intelligent man and to his children, I say they should follow his footsteps so that his legacy lives on.
“I suggest that one of the streets in Mufakose where Mr Munatsi grew up, should be named after him,” said Mr Dzanya.
National Railways of Zimbabwe board chairman, Advocate Martin Dinha, said: “In the rail sector, as you are aware, we are undergoing recapitalisation; he had a key interest to find that we had investors for the development of railways. The nation has lost a man who had a vision and a passion for the country.”
Former BancABC marketing manager Mr Desmond Ali said Munatsi was a leader in the mould of what “John Maxwell would call a level five leader”.
“He developed others to be leaders,” said Mr Ali.
Family spokesperson, Mr Teddy Gazi said: “We find ourselves recounting incidents where he has impacted our lives. Most certainly, he was somebody we are beginning to miss. Already we are recounting, and feel the void that he has left.”

– Herald

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwean community in Johannesburg’s northern suburb of Windsor East was at the weekend thrown into mourning following the deaths of three of their friends who died in an accident near the Rhema Church in Randburg.

The trio of Liberty Makore (27), Eddie Tapera (26) and Laura Sanyika (24) were killed when an Audi A4 hit the car they were travelling in during the early hours of last Sunday on their way from a popular entertainment centre called Pamusha near Cosmo City.
The driver of the car they were in and another female passenger survived the mishap and are out of hospital.
Tapera died instantly while Makore died on the way to hospital. Sanyika was in a coma and succumbed to her injuries last Sunday afternoon.
The driver of the car that hit them, varnished from the scene and the South African Police Service is hunting for him. They just left the wrecked cars and fled the scene.
For a whole week, the community joined hands and attended funeral services throughout the week.
On Friday and Saturday, hundreds brought the township to a standstill and they conducted a street send-off gala at the Windsor East shopping centre.
Police could not even attempt to disrupt the event that was characterized by song and dance as they sent off Tapera and Makore over the two days.
Tapera was repatriated on late Friday afternoon while Makore was sent home on Saturday afternoon.
Makore was in the tree-felling business and his fellow colleagues brought motorised chainsaws imitating what he used to do when he was at work.
Others danced on top of the trailer that was carrying his remains.
Expensive gin, beer and whiskey was poured on top of the trailer as a “way of celebrating his way of life”.
Some ladies sang songs whose lyrics are unprintable claiming he was one of their “clients”.
Some blew condoms and spread them across the tarmac. Fireworks and helium balloons were also in the mix as the ‘celebratory’ mood continued.
Renowned pastor Kelvin Zivavose had a hard time delivering his send-off service sermon.
He had to also climb on top of the hearse in order to be heard. He was flanked by another elder in the community Nyasha Mupimbira.
“Let me remind all of you that you must be always in good books with the Lord. Remember one day you shall leave this earth and you shall be accountable to God.
“Take time to get to learn the word of God. We may be mourning Liberty today but tomorrow it could be you. Be ready for that day,” preached Pastor Kelvin.
A number of other community leaders donated their vehicles to be used during the funeral service.
“As a community of Zimbabweans in a foreign land we need to remain united and help each other especially when it is a time of need like this.
“We have plans to set up a formal society where we will pool funds together so that we assist each other in times of needs,” said James Chetsanga one of the leaders.
After the sermon the hearse moved onto the N1 highway which connects Johannesburg and Beitbridge.
Again there was a traffic blockade as the singing and dancing continued.
Tapera was buried in Mhondoro on Saturday and Makore was expected to be buried in Shurugwi today.
Plans are underway to ensure the remains of Sanyika are sent home before the end of the week. “We will be back again on the streets during the week to ensure Laura gets a decent send-off as well.
“We will not get tired,” quipped one of the ghetto youths known as Hebza “Childish Gambino” Jakaz.

• H Metro